Kia Ora 朋友和家庭 !
This week has honestly been one of the hardest weeks here at the MTC- therefore on the mission. All the other 9-weekers have told us that week 5 is usually pretty unpleasant-- you get sick of the monotony of the MTC, and you feel ready enough to go out to the field-- yet you are only half-way through your stay here. That feeling of yearning to 'go and do' has definitely hit! However, as I've kept going day-by-day, I still find joy being here, and it's not like I don't have more to learn here. At this point, the adjusting is pretty much done, we are just grinding away, strengthening our testimonies, teaching skills and language skills.
It is kind of crazy to think I've been out a month already, though! (We celebrated on the 11th with a little extra dessert.)
Upsides:
- Hosting again; It's really fun to see how the work continues on and on, wherever I might be in my missionary adventure
- I'm nervous to jinx myself, but the fall weather, though a bit cold, has been pretty pleasant here.
- This week during our service assignment (we put out and put away chairs/bleachers for devotionals), I went and talked to an Elder from Taiwan. He doesn't know English too well, but we were able to communicate briefly through a mix of Mandarin and English. He randomly asked me if I knew any French- he wanted to know how to say a couple things so he could surprise his little sister who just started taking French at school. It really made my day to be able to share a language I love with someone, and that I was able to connect a bit through my Chinese.
- Sister Cummings and I fulfilled our callings as greeters this week, it was really fun to welcome the missionaries who just came in on Wednesday, and to be able to be excited every time a person came into Sacrament Meeting. Usually I would just be focused on myself.
Downsides:
- Hosting again; We have a lot of lessons to plan as a companionship for TRCs and TRC practice, and we don't have companionship study on the days we host. It's alright though, we go and do what we are asked, and I never regret it!
- I've needed to go through a process of realizing not everyone thinks the same way I do- and not everyone is going to like me! It's been interesting to feel a little lonely, but be able to open up to the Lord and friends and feel more peace. God knows what trials we need in order to grow. Having a thriving social life isn't really a thing at the MTC when the schedule is packed, there are few girls to talk to, and relations with Elders is limited. I'm excited to be in the field, distracted by the work and socializing with the people of New Zealand. For now I'm finding contentment with the fact I'm where the Lord wants me to be, learning what the Lord wants me to learn.
Spiritual Thoughts:
- So first of all, I didn't mention that a couple weeks ago we had Elder Choi and his wife come speak to us and they might be one of my favorite of the Seventy. They showed a video of the Lion King to explain to us that we should remember who we are. My favorite quote from that devotional was, regarding basically anything "If you don't like it, like it."
- On Tuesday Jean B. Bingham and her husband addressed us. They really emphasized the need missionaries have to develop grit. This generation is infamous for wanting quick answers and solutions, and otherwise tossing in the towel. Life is hard- there is a lot expected of us. BUT, we told God we were willing to come to Earth, and we promised to try our best, and continue forward. So we need to keep that promise, have grit, and continue forward.
- Gabe, Sam, this is for you- relating to that grit, comes the idea of Video Game Theory. We discussed as a district afterward (a Branch presidency member is the one who brought it up, I swear) that life follows Video Game Theory. We are meant to fail, and keep getting back up and moving forward, in order to learn. Our Level 1 boss from when we were in Elementary school is easily overcome at this point in life. Remember that, soon, if you keep trying, you will have the strength to overcome your current trial, and later on it will even seem easy.
- Finally, yesterday Sheri L. Dew came to speak to us!! She loves President Nelson and shared how even in his old age he is going on tours to contribute to The Gathering of Israel. I recommend looking at The Church News on his meeting with Reverend Amos C. Brown. I would just like to share the message that if we just try to have love for each other, we can help others come to Christ, and improve others' lives without another thought.
I'm thinking of all of you and I pray you are able to tackle your current endeavors head-on.
Love,
馬姐妹 (Ma JieMei)
Sister Martinez
1: Fire alarm = class outside!
2: Flower Friday with District C
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